|
The Very Reverend John M.Canon Hayes was Parish Priest of Bansha Kilmoyler from1946 until his death in 1957. He founded Muintir Na Tire (pronounced "Mween-tir nah teer-eh") in 1937.
The organisation was based on the notion of developing communities by concentrating on an already existing unit-the parish. It started choral and dramatic societies, organised many different competitions and provided lectures on lots of topics.
It spread throughout Ireland and became a major force in the development of rural Ireland.It is still a strong and forward-looking organisation.
Above scenic images from the Bansha area. The area is rich in scenic beauty; wooded areas, corrie lakes, and mountain walks.
Above left the Church of Ireland Church
at Bansha. On the right above in the church
graveyard, the grave of the Poet
Darby Ryan (1779 - March 1856
Aged 76 Years)
famous for his satirical ballad
"The Peeler And The Goat" also known as "The Bansha Peeler."
The "Peelers" were the police of the time, founded by Sir Robert Peel-hence the name "Peelers".
The meeting of the River Ara and the Suir near Knockgraffon.
Kilardrigh graveyard.
Plaque at Kilardrigh graveyard, as seen above.
"Give me but six foot three
(one inch to spare) of Irish Ground, and dig it
anywhere and for my poor soul say an Irish prayer above the spot."
"The Peeler And The Goat" also known as "The Bansha Peeler."
1. Oh, the Bansha Peelers went out one night
On duty and patrolling, O,
They met a goat up on the road
And took him for being a strolling, O,
With baynets fix'd they sallied forth
And caught him by the wizzen, O,
And then swore out a mighty oath,
They'd send him off to prison, O.
2. "Oh, mercy, sir!" the goat replied,
"And let me tell my story O
I am no rogue, no Ribbonman,
No Croppy, Whig, or a Tory O;
I'm guilty not of any crime
Of petty or high treason O,
And our tribe is wanted at this time,
For this is the ranting season O".
3. "It is in vain for to complain
Or give your tongue such bridle O,
You're absent from your dwellingplace,
Disorderly and idle O.
Your hoary locks will not prevail,
Nor your sublime oration O,
For Peeler's Act will you transport,
On your own information O."
4. "No penal laws I did transgress
By deeds or combination O,
I have no certain place of rest,
No home or habitation O.
But Bansha is my dwellingplace,
Where I was bred and born O,
I'm descended from an honest race,
That's all the trade I'v learned O."
5. "I will chastise your insolence
And violent behaviour O;
Well bound to Cashel you'll be sent,
Where you will gain no favour O
The magistrates will all consent
To sign your condemnation O;
From there to Cork you will be sent
For speedy transportation O."
6. "This parish an' this neighbourhood
Are peaceable and tranquil O;
There is no distrubance here, thank God!
And long may it continue so.
I don't regard your oath a pin,
Or sign for my comittal O,
My jury will be gentlemen
And grant me my aquittal O."
7. "The consequence be what it will,
A Peelers power I'll let you know,
I'll handcuff you, at all events,
And march you off to Bridewell O.
And sure, you rogue, you can't deny
Before the judge or jury O,
Intimidation with your horns,
And threatening me with fury O."
8. "I make no doubt that you are drunk,
With whiskey, rum,or brandy O,
Or you wouldn't have such gallant spunk,
To be so bold and manly O.
You readily would let me pass
If I had money handy O,
To treat you to a poteen glass-
'Tis then I'd be the dandy O."
Darby Ryan (1779 - 1856)
| 
